Microphone positioning matters more than the microphone itself. A 30-dollar microphone positioned correctly out-performs a 300-dollar microphone positioned wrong. The placement principle is "6 to 8 inches from your mouth, off-axis."

The off-axis positioning is the part most streamers get wrong. Speaking directly into the front of the mic causes plosive bursts on hard consonants (P, B, T) that sound like distortion to viewers. Speaking with the mic positioned slightly off to the side, angled toward your mouth, lets the air bursts pass without hitting the diaphragm directly.

The 6-to-8-inch distance balances signal strength against acoustic reflections. Closer than 6 inches and you trigger the proximity effect (low-frequency boom that some streamers like for warmth but others find muddy). Further than 8 inches and you pick up too much room reverb.

The setup: a boom arm or low-profile desk stand that puts the mic at the right distance and angle. Adjust the position by ear during a 60-second test recording. Lock the position. Re-check weekly.